Pineapple Express Recipe
Pineapple vodka, triple sec, with pineapple juice and a local favorite, li hing mui powder. Served in a fresh pineapple with a take home pair of shades.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Disclosure: Some product links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cocktail Base
Garnish & Serve
Tools
Method
Prepare Pineapple Cup
Hollow the pineapple
Choose a ripe whole pineapple. Using a paring knife, slice off the top (about 1–2 inches) and set aside. Carefully cut around the inner edge, leaving a 1/2-inch thick shell all around so the cup remains sturdy. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch of fruit attached to the shell to maintain structure. Reserve the scooped pineapple flesh for juice or garnish.
Pat the inside of the pineapple shell dry with a paper towel. Place the pineapple shell in the refrigerator while finishing the cocktail to keep it chilled.
Rim & Garnish Prep
In a small shallow dish, combine 1 tsp li hing mui powder with 1/2 tsp coarse salt or sugar and mix until even. Wet the outer lip of the chilled pineapple cup with a lime wedge and dip the lip into the li hing mui mixture to create a flavored rim. Set the cup aside.
If using a pineapple wedge for garnish, cut a wedge or wheel from the reserved pineapple flesh and chill it until ready to use.
Mix Cocktail
Fill the cocktail shaker with a generous handful of ice.
Measure and pour 2 oz pineapple-flavored vodka, 0.5 oz triple sec, 3 oz fresh pineapple juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup (if using) into the shaker.
Add 1 tsp li hing mui powder directly into the shaker for that signature tangy-salty flavor. If you prefer the powder only on the rim, reduce the shaker amount accordingly.
Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and well chilled.
Strain the cocktail into the chilled pineapple shell filled halfway with cracked ice (or into a chilled glass if desired). Leave some space at the top for garnish.
Finish & Serve
Garnish the rim with the chilled pineapple wedge and a lime wheel. Add a straw and a small spoon if guests want to scoop remaining pineapple flesh later.
Place the take-home pair of sunglasses alongside the pineapple cup as part of the presentation.
Serve immediately and advise guests to stir briefly before sipping if the li hing mui powder has settled. If desired, offer extra li hing mui powder on the side to sprinkle to taste.